Why Do I Have 13 Events Per Hour with CPAP?

If your CPAP machine is showing 13 events per hour, it’s natural to feel concerned. But what exactly does it mean, and what can you do about it? Let’s dive in.

What Does 13 Events Per Hour with CPAP Mean?

When your CPAP machine reports 13 events per hour with CPAP, it means that on average, you’re experiencing 13 instances of breathing disruptions per hour while you’re sleeping.

These disruptions can either be apneas (when your breathing stops completely) or hypopneas (partial blockages in your airway). The measurement comes from your Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI), which is crucial for understanding the severity of your sleep apnea.

Introduction to CPAP Therapy and Events Per Hour

CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) therapy is a treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. It’s designed to keep your airway open using pressurized air, which can reduce the number of breathing disruptions you experience. A well-functioning CPAP should result in as few of these events as possible: ideally fewer than five per hour.

Understanding CPAP Events Per Hour

The events per hour metric is important for assessing how well your therapy is working. It measures how many times your airway closes or narrows, causing a disruption in breathing. A number like 13 suggests that your therapy might not be as effective as it should be, and adjustments may be needed.

Why Monitoring Your AHI Matters

Regularly checking your AHI and other CPAP metrics is crucial for ensuring the effectiveness of your therapy. Monitoring helps you and your healthcare provider identify issues early, allowing for timely adjustments that can prevent complications and improve your overall health.

How Many Events Per Hour is Normal with CPAP?

Generally, a normal AHI should be below 5. Anything between 5 and 15 is considered mild sleep apnea, 15 to 30 is moderate, and above 30 is severe.

With 13 events per hour, your situation is categorized as mild sleep apnea, indicating that your CPAP therapy might need some fine-tuning.

Causes of Elevated Events Per Hour with CPAP

There are several reasons why your CPAP events per hour might be higher than ideal. These may include:

• Mask Issues: A poorly fitting mask can cause air leaks, making the therapy less effective.
• Incorrect Pressure Settings: If pressure is too low, your airway might not stay open overnight. On the other hand, if pressure is too high, it could cause central sleep apneas, where your brain temporarily stops sending the signal to breathe.
• Sleeping Position: Sleeping on your back can worsen sleep apnea, as gravity allows your airway to collapse more easily.
• Lifestyle Factors: Alcohol before bed can relax the muscles around your airway too much, making it more prone to collapse.

How to Address High Events Per Hour with CPAP

To reduce your CPAP events per hour, consider these steps:

1. Check Your Mask Fit: Make sure your mask fits snugly and doesn’t leak. If needed, try a different style or size.
2. Adjust Your Pressure Settings: Consult your healthcare provider to see if your pressure levels need adjusting. Even small changes can make a significant difference.
3. Change Your Sleeping Position: Switching from sleeping on your back to your side can help keep your airway open.
4. Make Lifestyle Changes: Avoid alcohol before bed, manage your weight, and be cautious with medications that might affect your breathing.

Health Implications of 13 Events Per Hour

If your CPAP machine consistently shows 13 events per hour, it's important to understand the potential health implications.

While 13 events per hour fall within the mild category of sleep apnea, it still signifies that your breathing is being disrupted multiple times each hour, which can have significant effects on your health over time.

Cardiovascular Health Risks

Even mild sleep apnea can increase your risk of developing cardiovascular issues. Each apnea or hypopnea event leads to a temporary drop in blood oxygen levels, which causes your heart to work harder to pump blood.

Over time, this repeated strain can lead to high blood pressure (hypertension), an increased risk of heart attack, and other cardiovascular diseases. Studies have shown that untreated or inadequately treated sleep apnea is associated with a higher incidence of atrial fibrillation, heart failure, and stroke.

Daytime Fatigue and Cognitive Impairment

When your sleep is frequently interrupted by apnea events, you might not be getting the deep, restorative sleep that your body needs. This can result in chronic daytime fatigue, making it hard to concentrate, stay alert, and function throughout the day.

Cognitive impairments, such as memory problems, difficulty focusing, and slower reaction times, are also common in individuals with untreated or poorly managed sleep apnea.

Increased Risk of Metabolic Disorders

Sleep apnea has been linked to an increased risk of developing metabolic disorders, such as insulin resistance, glucose intolerance, and type 2 diabetes. The repetitive drops in oxygen levels and sleep fragmentation associated with sleep apnea can contribute to systemic inflammation and hormonal imbalances—key factors in the development of metabolic disorders.

Impact on Mental Health

There is a well-documented connection between sleep apnea and mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety.

Chronic sleep deprivation and disrupted sleeping patterns caused by frequent apnea events can lead to mood swings, irritability, and a heightened risk of developing depressive symptoms. Effective management of sleep apnea can often lead to improvements in mood and overall mental well-being.

Risk of Accidents

The cognitive impairments and excessive daytime sleepiness associated with untreated or inadequately treated sleep apnea significantly increase the risk of accidents, both on the road and in the workplace. Studies have shown that individuals with sleep apnea are more likely to be involved in motor vehicle accidents due to impaired alertness and slower reaction times.

Long-Term Impact on Overall Mortality

Research has indicated that untreated sleep apnea, even at mild levels, can be associated with a higher risk of mortality. This is largely due to the cumulative effects of the associated cardiovascular, metabolic, and cognitive risks.

Properly managing your sleep apnea with effective CPAP therapy is crucial in reducing these risks and improving long-term health outcomes.

How to Address High Events Per Hour with CPAP

To reduce your CPAP events per hour, consider these steps:

1. Check Your Mask Fit: Make sure your mask fits snugly and doesn’t leak. If needed, try a different style or size.
2. Adjust Your Pressure Settings: Consult your healthcare provider to see if your pressure levels need adjusting. Even small changes can make a significant difference.
3. Change Your Sleeping Position: Switching from sleeping on your back to your side can help keep your airway open.
4. Make Lifestyle Changes: Avoid alcohol before bed, manage your weight, and be cautious with medications that might affect your breathing.

When to Seek Professional Guidance 

If you’ve tried adjusting your CPAP settings and lifestyle but still experience high AHI readings, it’s important to consult your sleeping specialist. They can offer a detailed evaluation and recommend further testing or advanced treatments to better manage your sleep apnea.

Try Mouth Shield to Improve Your CPAP Compliance

If your CPAP machine shows 13 events per hour, it’s a sign that your current treatment needs some adjustments. Whether it’s the fit of your mask, your pressure settings, or even your sleeping position, there are steps you can take to reduce these events and improve your sleeping quality.

For those who struggle with snoring or mouth breathing, give MouthShield a go to make a big positive difference. Made from 100% medical-grade silicone, Mouth Shield fits comfortably between your teeth and lips and promotes nasal breathing, leading to better outcomes and a more restful night’s rest.